10 Christmas gift ideas for a rail enthusiast!

Yes, like it or not, it’s that time again. The run up to Christmas can be an extremely stressful time finding ideal gifts for your nearest and dearest. So, we’ve made your life a hell of a lot easier with our exclusive Christmas Gift Guide! Check out some of these must-haves for rail enthusiasts…

1. Discover the greatest train journeys in the world with Anthony Lambert’s best-seller!

Whether you’re on the Orient Express or the Inverness to Wick and Thurso route traversing some of the wildest country in Britain, train travel affords a vision of the world like no other.

From the modest line through North Yorkshire’s Esk Valley to the Trans-Siberian; from a narrow-gauge web of lines in the Harz Mountains to the coast-tocoast journey through the mountains of Corsica, acclaimed travel writer Anthony Lambert presents an unmissable selection for any traveller who loves the journey as much as the destination.

As British Railways phased out its final steam locomotives, interest in reopening closed railways was growing. More and more new railway preservation schemes sprang up to reopen sections of line swept away following the infamous Dr Richard Beeching report, The Reshaping of British Railways.

Join us for a journey through the last half-century and discover how the East Lancashire Railway has also helped to transform the fortunes of the towns served by the line, making it an essential part of the local economy!

5. Get your Christmas puzzle fix this festive season!

A must-have for rail enthusiasts, what about this 3D Model Puzzle of the Flying Scotsman! Board games and puzzles are iconic at Christmas time, so get this perfect gift for train and model enthusiasts!

The stylish puzzle is a push-fit, easy to follow 165 piece puzzle which offers an enjoyable yet challenging modelling experience!

6. Re-live the final few months of British Rail steam on the main line in 1968!

This special publication not only covers in detail the final few months of British Rail steam on the main line in 1968, leading up to the ‘last’ train of all, the ‘Fifteen Guinea special’ of August 11, 1968, but much, much more.

For British Rail steam did not end there: steam cranes were used on the national network for many years afterwards, and British Rail kept one last line in steam until it sold it off in 1986 – the Vale of Rheidol Railway. We don’t want to give too much away, so get hold of this prized book this Christmas!

With almost 7000 new vehicles now being delivered or on order, worth billions of pounds, Britain’s train fleet will change beyond recognition over the next three years.

From high-capacity metro units to state-of-the-art express trains, interurban and regional fleets and luxury sleeping cars, British train operators and leasing companies are overseeing the biggest transformation in rolling stock since the 1950s, as this class-by-class guide will demonstrate.

9. Retro British Railway badges will have your nearest and dearest looking proud!

This set is a great accessory for a train driver fancy dress costume or as a gift idea for a train or railway enthusiast.

The set contains a variety of British railway themed badges; including British Railways Golden Lion, British Railways Red Lion and Wheel, LNER, Southern Railways, London Midland and Scottish Crest and Great Western Railway!

10. New Calendar and Diary Set British Steam Trains 2019 Will Make a Great Christmas Gift!

With plenty of room to write special dates, birthdays and anniversaries on the calendar grid, selected public holidays, special events and religious celebrations are also included.S

Symbols of the Industrial Revolution, the steam railways of Britain offer glimpses of the past against modern day landscapes. The trains powered through the countryside of the 19th century, making historical tracks toward modern industrial development.

Enjoy more Heritage Railway reading in the four-weekly magazine. Click here to subscribe.